OPTIMISM: Nige thinks he's tried his best and his efforts will pay off [REUTERS]

The party was forecasting a “very strong” national vote share.

Campaign director Patrick O’Flynn said party workers had a “growing sense of excitement” based on their latest information from around the country.

His predictions came as leader Nigel Farage insisted he had “given it his all” in his bid to become an MP for the first time.

The Ukip leader said it will be a close result in the Kent constituency where he is standing after what he described as the “biggest fight” of his political career.

Speaking to Ukip members last night ahead of a rally, Mr Farage said: “I think we are ahead, but I am going to take absolutely nothing for granted and we will be out knocking on doors until 10 in the evening.

“I have tried as hard as I possibly could”

Nigel Farage

“I’ve given it my all.

"I have tried as hard as I possibly could.

“If we do not succeed, at least I will say to myself I tried my absolute hardest.”

Mr Farage spent yesterday making a final big push for votes in Thanet South.

He is in a three-way fight with Labour’s Will Scobie and the Conservatives’ Craig Mackinlay to secure the seat.